PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteChoose based first on whether your PC has a compatible M.2 NVMe slot, then compare capacity, workload and price. Samsung rates the 990 PRO for sequential reads up to 7,450 MB/s and writes up to 6,900 MB/s; the 990 EVO Plus is rated for reads up to 7,150 MB/s at 1TB or 7,250 MB/s at 2TB and 4TB, and writes up to 6,300 MB/s. Those are Samsung’s maximum figures under specified test conditions—not speeds every PC or game will achieve.
Check your PC before choosing
Both drives are M.2 NVMe SSDs, but that does not guarantee they will fit or work in every computer. Look up the exact PC or motherboard model and check its manual for an M.2 NVMe slot, supported PCIe generation, physical clearance and any required mounting screw or heatsink. Samsung notes that installation and replacement procedures vary by device, manufacturer and model.
The 990 PRO uses PCIe 4.0 x4. The 990 EVO Plus supports PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2; Samsung’s datasheet also lists backward compatibility with PCIe 3.0 x4. The host slot and lane configuration determine the connection the drive can use. In particular, the EVO Plus’s PCIe 5.0 x2 mode is not a guaranteed speed advantage in a PC limited to PCIe 4.0.
How the specifications compare
| Specification | Samsung 990 PRO | Samsung 990 EVO Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Form and interface | M.2 NVMe; PCIe 4.0 x4. Samsung US buying guide | M.2 2280 NVMe; PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2; backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 x4. Samsung datasheet |
| Sequential read maximum | Up to 7,450 MB/s. Samsung US buying guide | Up to 7,150 MB/s at 1TB; up to 7,250 MB/s at 2TB and 4TB. Samsung datasheet |
| Sequential write maximum | Up to 6,900 MB/s. Samsung US buying guide | Up to 6,300 MB/s; Samsung specifies Intelligent TurboWrite, which operates only within a specific transfer size. Samsung datasheet |
| Cache | DRAM-equipped, according to Samsung’s guide. Samsung US buying guide | HMB (Host Memory Buffer). Samsung datasheet |
| Capacities listed | 1TB, 2TB and 4TB. Samsung US buying guide | 1TB, 2TB and 4TB. Samsung datasheet |
| Warranty and endurance | Five-year limited warranty or 600 TBW per TB of capacity, whichever comes first. Samsung US buying guide | Five-year limited warranty; rated endurance is 600 TBW at 1TB, 1,200 TBW at 2TB and 2,400 TBW at 4TB. The time or TBW limit applies, whichever comes first. Samsung datasheet |
What matters for gaming and everyday PC use
Sequential read and write figures describe particular kinds of data transfers; they are not a direct measure of game load times or overall responsiveness. Samsung qualifies its performance figures based on firmware, system hardware and configuration. Its EVO Plus datasheet states, “Performance may vary based on SSD’s firmware version, system hardware & configuration.” The write maximum also depends on Intelligent TurboWrite operating within its specified transfer size.
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- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
Samsung’s reviewed materials do not establish a controlled independent head-to-head result showing that either model is universally faster in real-world tasks. For a gaming PC, confirm the slot and capacity you need, then compare the current price for that same capacity. Consider published peak speeds as specifications, not a promise of a noticeable in-game difference.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you pick?
- Choose the 990 PRO if its published higher sequential maximums suit your priorities and its same-capacity price works for you. It is a PCIe 4.0 x4 drive with DRAM, according to Samsung’s guide.
- Choose the 990 EVO Plus if you want a drive that supports PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2, or if its price and capacity are the better fit. Its published read maximum varies by capacity, and its write maximum is lower than the PRO’s.
- Pause before buying either if you cannot confirm your PC’s M.2 NVMe compatibility, clearance or mounting requirements. Do not assume the computer’s slot supports a particular interface just because the SSD is M.2.
Compare like-for-like capacity and check the current listing for stock and price; availability and retail prices can change. Neither an extra heatsink nor a mounting screw is universally required, since hardware and system designs vary.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- OUR ULTIMATE SSD: Reach near max performance with PCIe 4.0*; The in-house controller's smart heat control delivers our best power efficiency while maintaining ferocious performance that always keeps you at the top of your game
- MAXIMIZED PCIE 4.0 SPEED: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS and read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s for gaming, video editing, 3D modeling, data analysis and more**
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Get more performance while using less power; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO***
- THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's nickel-coated high-end controller delivers thermal control and prevents performance drops from overheating; 990 PRO with Heatsink is a perfect fit for PlayStation 5, desktops, laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard****
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: A more than 55% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games; With RGB LED lights, Heatsink’s futuristic design adds style to function*****
Rank #4
- High-performance PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for high-end PC gaming as well as 4K video and 3D editing, data analytics and more.
- Exceptional speed: Sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s respectively for all variants from 1 to 4 TB of storage capacity.
- High reliability and long-lasting performance thanks to Heat Spreader and Dynamic Thermal Guard technology to protect against overheating
- Storage capacities of up to 4 TB in compact M.2 form factor (2280), Ideal for high-performance (gaming) PCs and notebooks/ultrabooks
- Easy drive management, with user-friendly Samsung Magician software for drive updates and performance optimisation
Rank #3
- BLAZING SPEED. COOL VICTORY: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen 4 with Heatsink SSD helps you reach near max performance* with lightning-fast speeds and Heatsink for improved temperature control
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND**: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s* you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0*** powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- MADE w/ PS5 IN MIND: Ultra-slim Integrated Heatsink is designed to dissipate heat from your device to stabilize its temperature and prevent performance issues; It’s compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops and laptops****
Rank #2
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
